VETERANS STATE HOME IN HILO MOVING FORWARD
In response to concerns raised about the future of the Veterans State Home in Hilo, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye is pleased to announce that the combined federal-state funds of $20 million for this important project are fully committed and not in jeopardy. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is moving forward with the construction. Contracts have been signed with Architects Hawaii, Ltd., construction management firm Rider Hunt Levett and Bailey, and building contractor Dick Pacific.
Senator Inouye stated, "The demolition phase of the old Hilo Hospital, the site of the VA State Home, is about 80 percent complete. A groundbreaking is planned for August 2005, and the first resident welcomed through the new doors by about December 31, 2006.
"During this construction phase, I will be working with my colleagues in the Senate to hopefully convince the White House of the importance of safeguarding the per bed allocation to be paid, to ensure that when the doors of our facility open, our veterans will have the care and comfort they deserve.
"For me, it is part of a simple promise our nation made at the time of enlistment - whether 60 years ago or 60 days ago. If we cannot uphold our obligation to our aging veterans, I fear it sends a very loud and negative message to your young, able men and women contemplating enlistment - at a time when we as a nation are having increasing challenges in the recruitment and retention of both active duty, reserves and National Guard. We simple cannot afford to be so shortsighted," Inouye stated.
http://inouye.senate.gov/